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“What’s going on with Drek? Why did he come here?”
Even Alexandra looked startled, her expression uneasy. At her question, the maid outside answered.
“By His Majesty the Emperor’s command, he has brought refreshments for the three of you.”
“Refreshments? From my brother?”
So Rayel sent us refreshments? What on earth is going on? Out of nowhere, he sends snacks— and not through just anyone, but by his personal head chef, Drek?
It wasn’t something that usually happened, so it wasn’t only Alexandra who was thrown off. Both Angelica and I, facing something new, exchanged uneasy glances, not sure how to react.
“Alright. Let him in.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
After meeting eyes with me and Angelica, Alexandra gave the order to the maid. It wasn’t as if they could keep him waiting outside, after all.
Creak—
Soon the parlor door opened, and a young man entered with the maid.
“Drek Aniga, head chef of the Imperial Palace, greets the Archduchess Consort, Her Highness the Princess, and the daughter of Count Werner.”
With heavy, deliberate steps, Drek came in and offered a polite bow. His unexpectedly respectful manner surprised me— as did his appearance.
His long, dark red hair was tied into a short ponytail at the nape of his neck. His eyes were as blue as a clear lake, and his sharp features stood out vividly.
He looks… younger than I imagined?
When I heard he was the Emperor’s personal chef, I had pictured a seasoned middle-aged man, hardened by years of experience. But the man before me was nothing like that. If anything, he gave off the air of a well-bred young master who had never known hardship.
And yet, there was something unusual in the atmosphere around his expressionless face. He seemed like someone with a formidable personality.
How did a man like this become Rayel’s personal chef? I wondered, studying him closely— only for my eyes to meet his.
“……”
“……”
What is this? Why is he staring at me like that? His deep blue gaze fixed on me intently, as though he too were scrutinizing me.
Have we met before? No… I would never forget a man who looked and felt like this.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t recall ever meeting him. Then why was he looking at me like that?
“…?”
Angelica seemed to notice his odd gaze too, tilting her head curiously at him. Alexandra, who had also picked up on the strange atmosphere, looked between us before speaking.
“What’s going on? Do you two know each other?”
“No, not at all…”
“Then why are you staring at each other like that?”
“Well… rather than me, it seems this Drek fellow has something to say to me.”
“I think so too. The way he’s looking at Lady Tiana is a bit intense.”
“Really?”
At our words, Alexandra’s expression shifted. Where she had been startled by the unexpected visit, she now frowned, her brows drawing together as her eyes narrowed in displeasure.
Surely she wasn’t thinking that Drek was interested in me?
“Drek. Do you know the Archduchess Consort? Why are you staring at her like that? You wouldn’t dare harbor feelings for her, would you?”
…As I thought. Her sharp tone and cold gaze made it clear. But no— I didn’t get the sense that Drek was interested in me that way. It felt like something else entirely.
I waited, curious about the meaning behind his stare.
Finally, Drek spoke.
“It is true that I have an interest in the Archduchess Consort.”
“What—what did you just say?”
“But it is not in the way Her Highness and Lady Werner seem to think. The Archduchess already has someone at her side who cannot be rivaled. How could I dare entertain such feelings?”
“Hm… then what kind of interest is it? You said you came with refreshments on my brother’s orders, but it looks more like the snacks were just an excuse. You seem to have other business with Tiana.”
“You are perceptive, as expected of a Princess.”
“…Funny. You’re never one to flatter anyone, not even a syllable. You’ve thrown courtesy out the window before me and my brother alike— and now here you are, acting polite as if you’re a different man entirely.”
From Alexandra’s biting words, it was clear: he wasn’t normally like this. Then why today?
Business with me?
How did he even know me? He came bearing Rayel’s order, and yet he seemed more focused on his own reasons. What a peculiar man.
“I heard a special person would be present today. I thought it only right to dress myself in courtesy for the occasion. It didn’t seem fitting to appear as I usually do.”
“You certainly have a way with words. You must really want to impress Tiana, hm? Very well. For the sake of the refreshments you brought, I’ll allow the two of you to talk.”
“Whether Your Highness grants permission or not hardly matters… but I thank you nonetheless.”
Why did Alexandra’s permission matter for him to speak with me? And why did he sound as though he was begrudgingly giving thanks?
Was I the only one who felt something was off in their conversation? Yet somehow, they managed to keep it going.
“…Lady Tiana. Don’t you think their conversation is a little strange?”
“Exactly, Angelica. I feel the same.”
Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one. Angelica whispered to me with a puzzled look, and I nodded in agreement. She gave me a small smile in return.
“First, please accept the refreshments His Majesty commanded me to deliver. These are desserts made with newly arrived organic fruits.”
At his signal, the maids waiting outside rolled in trays. Not one or two, but five in total, each covered with a lid.
“All this… is just refreshments?”
“Apparently so. But this is far too much…”
Both Alexandra and Angelica’s eyes widened at the unexpected quantity. At another signal from Drek, the maids lifted the covers.
“Wow…!”
“My goodness, this much…?”
Spread across the trays was a dazzling array of desserts: strawberry cake, strawberry tarts, green grape tarts, lemon pies, pound cakes, cherry ice cream, blueberry cheese macarons— a festival of sweets.
The sight and scent of the fresh fruit desserts left us all wide-eyed. Even I couldn’t resist the sweet, fragrant aroma that filled the room.
This is too much for just ‘refreshments.’
It was enough for a buffet. Certainly more than three people could eat. Surely Rayel hadn’t meant for all of this to be brought… then why did Drek make so much?
I glanced at him. Even as we gawked, his face remained impassive, as if to say: Is this really that surprising?
What an interesting man.
It seemed like he was showing off his skill, yet he didn’t boast. His calm, confident gaze seemed to say, Go on. Taste my desserts and be amazed. And his eyes lingered on me the longest.
He really does have some purpose with me. Is there something he wants?
A man that proud of his craft wouldn’t prepare this much without reason. And he had already admitted he had business with me.
Now I was all the more curious. Especially since I’d heard he once worked for the Even Marquisate.
But first… there was the sweet temptation before my eyes.
“These were made just for you three. I hope you enjoy them.”
When we kept staring, dazed, Drek gestured for the maids to set plates and forks before us. Larger desserts were sliced neatly for easier serving.
“Please, help yourselves. What shall I serve you first?”
“Hmm… then I’ll have the cherry ice cream.”
“I’d like the blueberry cheese macaron, please.”
“Very well. And for the Archduchess Consort?”
As the maids moved to serve Alexandra and Angelica their choices, the head maid turned to me.
“…The strawberry cake, please.”
“Yes, here you are.”
There were plenty I wanted to try, but after some thought, I chose the strawberry cake. I couldn’t resist the bright red berries crowning it.
“Thank you.”
“I hope it suits your taste.”
When I smiled at Drek, he returned the faintest of smiles.
I cut a piece with my fork. The cross-section revealed strawberries studded throughout, heightening my anticipation.
How sweet and fresh would they taste on my tongue? My mouth watered in expectation. Unable to wait any longer, I lifted the forkful and took a bite.
“…!”
I was shocked. The soft cake, the light cream, and the burst of sweet, tangy strawberries— I had never tasted a strawberry cake like this.
The sponge was moist, the cream rich yet not cloying, with its own subtle flavor. And the strawberries— unbelievably fresh, their juice filling my mouth with every bite.
It was so delicious my hand moved on its own, and before I knew it, half the slice was gone. Drek, watching me, smiled faintly.
“It seems to suit your palate.”
“Ah, yes. It’s incredible. I’ve never had strawberry cake this good before.”
“Is that so? I’m honored.”
For the first time, his expression softened into a genuine smile, as if satisfied with my praise. As I continued eating, I studied him carefully.
He reminds me of someone…
Not in looks, but in that faint smile that seemed to hide something deeper.
Yes— he felt strangely similar to Rayel.
That’s why he felt oddly familiar from the start. It wasn’t his appearance, but his atmosphere.
The calm tone, the unchanging expression, the subtle air behind his smile— all of it resembled Rayel.
“…Ah.”
Lost in thought, I suddenly realized my cake was gone. Regretfully, I eyed the tray. Should I have another slice? Though there were many other desserts, only the strawberry cake caught my eye. After tasting perfection, nothing else could compare.
“…So it is true.”
“Huh?”
While I was debating whether to take one more slice, Drek stepped closer. Startled by the shortened distance, I leaned back slightly, only for him to lock eyes with me.
“His Majesty’s words… and the Lady of House Even’s as well. That the dessert you love most is strawberry cake— it seems they were both correct.”
“…!”
Who said that? What do you mean?
